Tom-FIRST, CARRY A 357 MAG OR A 40 GLOCK! Blow their damn heads off!
...but ASK them if they intend to KILL you first! lol
The BEST thing you can do is always, ALWAYS be aware. Don't take a single chance if possible. Otherwise everything listed is "good advice". It just depends on the situation. I was approached in the WalMart parking lot a couple of years back by a boy on bike. I KNOW my safety was compromised. He kept wanting to help me load or carry stuff-circling on his bike and asking again. I flat out asked him if he was hungry and needed something to eat. I told him I NEVER carry cash, but had a couple of dollars so he could get some food.
I know, I know, I probably reinforced his ability to intimidate, but after "reading" the situation, it seemed like the best course of action. I ALWAYS felt like a "strong" appearing person. Years of living in Houston taught me that. I felt very vulnerable knowing some teenager on a bike thought I looked like an easy target.
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